How Should Activists Be Remembered?
by: Denny JA
Last night, the activists gathered to remember Agus Edy Santoso or Agus Lenon. Some of them have even written about their experiences with the deceased. The writings are collected in one book.
Last night, remembering 40 days of Agus Lenon’s death, the book was launched. But how should activists be remembered?
Every time we remember Bung Karno, we are reminded of the nationalism he fought for. Remembering Hatta, we remember the cooperative that he always distributed. In memory of Che Guevara, we remember the revolution that became his life.
In remembrance of our activist, we remembers the ideas he often fought for.
What ideas does Agus Lenon often fight for? What are its legacy in the activist world?
In the book, Isti Nugroho and Jonminofri have formulated quite well the idea of Agus Edy Santoso’s struggle. Let’s say it’s some kind of political platform on which to base his activism.
Isti and Jon are two activists and two close friends of the deceased. The two of them were quick to collect writings from their friends about Agus. Quickly also gathered wisdom activists together to commemorate the 40 days of Agus’ death.
True activists inherit the spirit of the Prophets. Their strength echoes justice. Prophets came to form a justice soul, then a justice society.
Those who frequently become victims of injustice are generally those who are marginalized. They are the little people, the mustadhafin, the disabled group, those who are weak in resources.
Because the ruler is at the center of a nation’s gratification, the role of the ruler in upholding justice is enormous. Or even the ruler himself is the source of injustice.
It is no wonder that many activists have drawn their distance from power. It was none other than because they guarded space. Being in a remote position, control and criticism of the authorities are more freely given.
Activists generally get closer to those who are marginalized. Trying to grow together. Become an agent who accompanies, enlightens, protests and changes the environment so that it is better for the poor.
I also remembered how the late Agus made time for the poor. I express that passion Agus in words. This poem is also in the book and was read by Isti Nugroho as an opening ceremony to commemorate the 40 days of Agus Lenon’s death.
-000-
Think of you, man
– For Agus Edy Santoso
Denny JA
Dude, I thought of you
It was an afternoon
You brought the story
Dozens of blind people
Want a trip to the beach
Feel the salty sea water
Celebrate friendship
You pick them up
rented five microbuses
Excursion to Ancol
Shouldering the guitar
Do not forget to provide rice and rendang
“They’re very happy, bro,” you said
Playing sea water
Singing,
Jigging,
They let go ”
You said:
“Even though their eyes are blind
But their hearts are sensitive,
Don’t feel bro,
Twenty years already
I accompanied them. ”
Dude, I thought of you
About your other story
You have accompanied a dozen disabled people
watching movie in theatre
But cinema wasn’t made for them
There is no room for a wheelchair
The steps in the cinema
Not wheelchair accessible
“But we’re still there, bro
Become a spectacle of many people
This is a silent demonstration,” you said
Dude, I thought of you
You said at that time
Even the mosque forgot
Provide space for wheelchairs
You find a way
accompany a dozen disabled people
pray in the parking space only
Trying to get serious there
Accept what is
“We do pray, bro,
Wheelchairs lined up
Many people see
At the same time, we protested,”
Dude, I thought of you
When people are busy pursuing power
When time runs out accumulate treasure
How valuable it feels
Have a giving heart
Got a struggling soul
Have a conscience to accompany you
Even in a simple way.
Dude, I thought of you.
Think of the bird with makeshift wings
But always wanted to fly high
And still higher***
February 2020
